Issue - meetings

To consider an update on the elections due to be held in May 2021

The Committee received a report, set out in agenda pages 25 to 28, which gave an update on the elections due to be held in May 2021.

The report outlined that the number one priority was to ensure that a safe and secure election would be carried out across the Borough. In addition to this, there was a commitment to make the count and vote as timely as possible for electors and Members, whilst taking the above into consideration. It would therefore be a balance, with a longer counting process ensuring the safety of all involved, whilst still being as transparent and thorough as ever. Many polling stations would have additional measures in place to ensure that they were safe for electors and staff, whilst some venues would have to change to a more Covid-19 (C-19) secure venue.

Andre Moulton (Assistant Director – Governance) and Anne Hunter (Lead Specialist, Democratic & Electoral Services) attended the meeting to answer Member queries.

During the ensuing discussions, Members raised the following points and queries:

·           When would the candidates and agents briefing take place? Officer response – This was planned for 9^th March 2021 at 6pm.

·           Was it planned to write to write to all electors who did not currently have a postal vote to inform them of the option to do so? Officer response – Yes, this was in the election project plan to set out the choices available to the electorate.

·           What percentage of the Borough was currently registered to vote by post? Officer response – Approximately twenty percent of the Borough was registered to vote by post. This was subject to change as we approached the election.

·           Would the letter to electors, explaining the options of a postal vote and containing a form to apply for one, be sent to people on the current register of electors or the March register? Officer response – The letter would be sent to people on the register at the time when the letter was finalised.

·           What campaigning would be allowed regarding this election? Officer response – Any interested groups or persons would be advised to keep close attention to the Electoral Commission’s website for any and all advice.

·           It was noted that the count would be conducted in stages, to ensure that the numbers within the counting area were at safe and C-19 compliant levels.

·           Members supported the strategy of informing residents of their options to vote by post, as this would be more comfortable and safer for a lot of people this year.

·           Were the elections team able to access more support to administer these elections safely? Officer response – There was already additional resource within the core team to help manage the workload. As a corporate event, the team had support right across the Council.

·           Were nomination forms be required to be wet signed this year? Officer response – Yes, and the candidates and agents briefing would provide additional information regarding this.

·           It was noted that the count for the Police and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 78